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# elf

noun (an elf, elves)

«elf» in the English dictionary: everyday — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. An elf is a small magical creature in stories and folk tales, often with pointed ears, who can be helpful or tricky. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/E/elf/#m1)
2. In Christmas stories, elves are Santa's helpers who make toys at the North Pole. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/E/elf/#m2)
3. In fantasy books and games, like «The Lord of the Rings», elves are tall, wise, beautiful people who live very long. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/E/elf/#m3)

### In the lessons

In stories it tells the reader there is magic: elves help the shoemaker, play tricks or fight in fantasy battles. At Christmas, «Elf on the Shelf» is a toy elf families move around. It is a made-up creature, not real. Phrases: «Santa's elves», «elf on the shelf», «elf ears».

### Examples

- The elves made shoes for the poor shoemaker. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/E/elf/#x1)
- Santa's elves wrap presents in the workshop. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/E/elf/#x2)
- Our Elf on the Shelf moves every night. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/E/elf/#x3)
- Legolas is an elf in «The Lord of the Rings». [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/E/elf/#x4)
- She dressed up as an elf for the school play. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/E/elf/#x5)
- The elf had pointy ears and a green hat. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/E/elf/#x6)
- In Iceland some people tell stories about hidden elves. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/E/elf/#x7)
- The poor little elf was very much frightened. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/E/elf/#x8)

### Note

Irregular plural: one elf, two elves (f → ves, like shelf → shelves). Adjective: elfin or elvish. Elves are imaginary. Not the same as a «pixie» or «fairy», though stories often mix them up. «Elf» is also the name of a Christmas film.

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «elf» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/E/elf/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«elf» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/elf.html) on Mova free.